Fifty years in Wall Street

A little about the book

Henry Clews remembers Wall Street as a place where public events translated into private fortunes and losses. He recounts joining the market, taking part in the sale of Union war loans, and watching brokers respond to changing conditions. His portraits and advice reflect what a financier of his generation believed a newcomer needed to learn.

The book alternates between reminiscence and instruction. Clews explains the business in terms of reputation, useful training, political connections, and the habits that keep people coming back after a setback. Reading him today means listening to both the eyewitness and the advocate in the same voice, especially when he makes the case for the social value of speculation.

Things You May Not Know About Fifty years in Wall Street

• The source edition appeared in 1908. Its imprint names the Irving Publishing Company and the introductory material is dated that March.
• War loans open the book. Clews recalls his part in marketing United States government borrowing during the Civil War.
• It gives advice as well as recollections. Early chapter headings promise practical guidance on training and making money.
• Reputation gets its own chapter. Clews addresses the personal honor of Wall Street men as a matter of business practice.
• The book pictures its surroundings. Its list of illustrations includes the Mills Building, where Clews and Company's banking house was located.